Police Chase Ends With Car In Flames In Elizabeth, New Jersey

A police chase from Clark, New Jersey ended with the alleged offender's car bursting into flames in Elizabeth. (Credit: CBS 2)

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A police chase from Clark, New Jersey, ended when the suspect’s car burst into flames on a busy road in Elizabeth.

Late Friday afternoon, Clark police were sent to a Target store on Central Avenue in Clark, upon a report of a possible fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s office.

Arriving officers found the suspect trying to speed off in a vehicle, and a crash occurred between the alleged getaway vehicle and a squad car, the office said.

As one officer got out of his car, the suspect allegedly accelerated toward him. The officer fired a single shot from his service weapon, but no one was struck, the office said.

The suspect then led police on a chase for a long distance and underneath the Garden State Parkway, CBS 2’s Joe Biermann reported.

The chase ended when the suspect was apprehended on West Grand Street in Elizabeth, while the getaway car burst into flames, the office said.

The suspect was not injured, but two Clark police officers were taken to an area hospital to be evaluated as a precaution, the office said.

Target declined to comment on the incident, except to say it was partnering with local law enforcement, and, “The safety and security of our guests and team members is of the utmost importance to Target.”